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Chapter 4

Penulis: emmz
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-11-11 08:23:25

Elizabeth

Its Monday morning. I sit on the edge of the couch, watching Christopher play with Edward on the floor. I can’t tear my eyes away as I watch him lift our son into the air, spinning him around until Edward is giggling uncontrollably.

It’s these rare moments that mess with my mind and make me second-guess everything.

This gentle, loving version of him is the man I fell in love with, the father I want Edward to have.

When Christopher glances up at me, a softness in his blue eyes, he gives me a kind smile—the kind that used to melt me.

For a split second, I feel a flicker of hope, a glimpse of the man he used to be.

“Get ready, Elizabeth,” he says, his voice breaking the moment.

“You’re coming with me to the office today.”

I blink, completely thrown.

“What? Why?” My voice comes out sharper than I intended, laced with suspicion.

I don’t trust this. I don’t trust him.

He chuckles, shaking his head like I’m overreacting.

“I thought maybe you should go back to work. Get your old job back. You were a marketing genius, remember?”

I stare at him, trying to process this.

It’s been years since I left the office, since he convinced me that being at home would help us have a family.

Two miscarriages later, he asked me to stop working entirely.

Now, suddenly, he’s suggesting I return to the company? He’s never wanted me to have independence, so why now?

“What are you playing at, Christopher?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“Just get dressed, Lizzy. We’ll talk in the car.”

I bite back a retort, deciding not to push him. Instead,

I get up and head to the bedroom.

My pulse quickens, and I feel a strange excitement stirring in my chest.

It’s been so long since I had anything outside these walls, anything that felt like my own purpose.

If I can get back into the office, back to what I’m good at, maybe I’ll find a way to break free from him once and for all.

I slip into a blouse and pencil skirt, brushing on a bit of makeup.

My hands are shaking with a mixture of nerves and excitement.

This feels like a step out of my prison, even if I know Christopher’s intentions can’t be genuine.

He’s always playing some angle. But for now, I’ll play along. I’ll make this work for me.

When I walk out, Christopher is waiting by the door, his eyes scanning over me approvingly.

“You look beautiful,” he says, holding the door open.

His tone is warm, almost affectionate. I try not to let my confusion show.

As we drive, I keep sneaking glances at him, trying to figure out what’s going on in his head.

He’s unusually calm, focused.

The tension I’ve come to expect from him is absent, replaced with... what? I can’t put my finger on it, and the uncertainty makes my skin crawl.

“Why are you doing this?” I finally ask, unable to hold the question back any longer.

He glances over, giving me a slight smile. “Consider it the start of an apology,” he says smoothly.

“I just want us to get back to who we were.”

I scoff, not even trying to hide my disbelief.

“Are you kidding me, Christopher?”

“Lizzy,” he sighs, as if he’s the one tired of me.

“A lot was going on before, but now... things are different. I’ve got a new partner investing in the company, and I feel like things are finally stable. We can work things out.”

I know him too well to believe him.

We’ve been through this before—the fake apologies, the empty promises. But if he thinks he can win me over with a few sweet words, he’s in for a surprise.

I nod, playing along, hiding the real plans forming in my mind. I’ll bide my time, keep Edward close, and when the opportunity arises, I’ll be gone.

As he’s driving, I feel his hand drift over to my thigh, a touch that used to feel so intimate but now feels suffocating.

I grit my teeth, trying to suppress the disgust curling in my stomach.

He hasn’t touched me like this in months, and I hate that I have to pretend.

I turn my head, forcing a smile as I look at him.

“I’ve missed you,” he murmurs, his face twisting into a smirk, one that doesn’t reach his eyes.

The wicked grin makes me shiver, but I force myself to laugh softly, trying to mirror his smile.

When we arrive at the office, I feel a strange mix of anticipation and dread.

Everything feels different, as if I’m stepping back into an old life I barely recognise.

The receptionist greets me with an eager smile, and I notice a few employees glancing our way, clearly intrigued. Christopher walks beside me, his hand on my back, steering me forward as if we’re some perfect, unified couple.

I do my part, keeping a big smile on my face, playing into his little game.

We walk down the hall to the conference room, and I pause as he opens the door. The room feels bigger than I remember.

Christopher holds my hand, guiding me in with an air of pride. Everyone’s already seated, their eyes fixed on us, expectant.

“Are we all ready?” Christopher asks, his voice loud and confident.

Everyone nods and begins gathering around the table, shifting in their seats.

I sit down beside him, looking around for the first time—and I freeze.

Across the table, seated at the far end, is a man I didn’t expect to see.

My heart skips a beat as I recognise him.

Sebastian.

He’s even more striking in the daylight, with his dark eyes, sharp jawline, and that aura of mystery.

every inch of him exuding power and control.

But it’s his gaze that unnerves me the most—steady, intense, as if he sees right through me.

I quickly look away, my face flushing.

What the hell is he doing here?

Christopher clears his throat; Sebastian's presence does not bother him.

“Everyone,” he begins, gesturing to me, “you all remember my wife, Elizabeth. She’ll be taking back control of the marketing department.”

I manage a small nod, forcing an anxious smile across the room, but my mind is spinning.

I glance back at Sebastian, who’s watching me with a calm, unreadable expression.

I wonder if he’s thinking about that night, about the situation Christopher put me in. But his face gives nothing away.

“And now,” Christopher continues, his tone carrying a touch of pride, “I’d like to introduce our new partner and board member, Mr. Sebastian Valdez.”

The words hit me like a slap.

Partner? Board member? I can barely hide my shock as I look between them.

Sebastian stands, extending a polite nod toward the room, his gaze landing on me just briefly before sweeping over the rest of the group.

“I’m looking forward to working with all of you,” he says in a low, even tone.

“I believe we’ll accomplish great things together.”

His words are calm and professional, but there’s an underlying edge I can’t quite place.

As the meeting progresses, I struggle to keep up, my mind consumed by questions and doubts. Christopher’s voice fades into the background, and all I can focus on is Sebastian.

Every glance from him stirs a strange and conflicting feeling inside me.

My mind flashes back to that night and the way he treated me with a dignity I hadn’t felt in so long.

The meeting finally wraps up, and everyone begins to rise, gathering their papers, chatting among themselves. I feel Christopher’s hand on my arm, gently steering me toward Sebastian.

“Sebastian,” he says, his tone barely friendly. “You remember my wife, don’t you?”

Sebastian’s gaze settles on me, dark and piercing, his face unreadable.

“Of course,” he replies, his voice polite but with a faint hint of something else—something that sends a shiver down my spine. He reaches out, shaking my hand with a firm grip, his touch lingering just a second too long.

I force a smile, my heart pounding. I don’t understand what is happening. There is tension between them.

Sebastian gives me a small nod, his eyes never leaving mine.

Christopher doesn’t seem to notice the tension between us, or maybe he doesn’t care.

“I think we’re all going to make an incredible team.”

Sebastian’s eyes flicker, and for the briefest moment, I see something dark pass over his face—a shadow.

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    ElizabethThe office has made me feel alive again. The buzzing of hushed voices and the busy bodies takes me back to my passion.As I walk past the rows of desks, I can feel eyes on me and hear the whispers that follow me wherever I go. The name *Celeste* is on everyone’s lips—Christopher’s new fling.I should feel hurt or betrayed, but all I feel is relief.It’s been a month since Christopher last laid a hand on me. A month since I had to force a smile and pretend to care. If Celeste keeps him distracted, that’s fine by me. Maybe she’ll keep him away long enough for me to make my escape.I keep my head high, my heels clicking sharply against the floor, and step into Sebastian’s office.The air shifts as soon as I enter, the tension between us like an unspoken third presence in the room. He’s standing behind his desk, flipping through a folder, his dark eyes scanning the pages with a focus that makes my stomach tighten.He doesn’t look up right away, but when he does, it’s like the en

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 6

    SebastianThe gala is alive with music, laughter, and the hum of conversation. I walk through the grand hall, my steps deliberate, my posture commanding. I am happy with myself. Not for the party but for my plan coming to fruition.I smile to myself, satisfaction curling at the edges of my thoughts.My revenge on Christopher Bell is taking shape. He has no idea what’s coming, and that’s exactly how I want it.Christopher has spent years destroying lives. He destroyed mine. He destroyed my wife's. He thought he had gotten away without consequence.But when I heard his company was faltering, teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, I saw my opportunity. I’d been patient, biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Now, here I am, the "savior" swooping in as an investor, offering him a lifeline he can’t refuse.It’s almost poetic.I make my way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands with key players.Every interaction is another move in this game of chess

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-17
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 7

    ElizabethThe car ride home is long and confusing. My fingers still tingle from where Sebastian held my hand before he kissed me. A kiss I hadn’t expected—a kiss that set my entire world on fire.The interview was so reveling. His answers playing over and over in my mind, each one pressing against the walls of my heart. Tonight, I learnt so much about him—his pain, his struggles—but that kiss... That kiss lingers, warm and sweet, leaving me questioning my future plans.When I pull into the driveway, the house looms large, its dark windows staring back at me. This prison I call a home. My stomach twists. The thrill of the evening fades, replaced by the suffocating reminder of where I belong—or rather, where I’m trapped.I kill the engine and sit in the silence for a moment longer, pressing my forehead to the steering wheel. “Get it together,” I whisper, though my hands tremble as I reach for the door handle.I close the door behind me with a soft click, a smile still tugging at my lip

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-19
  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 8

    ElizabethI hold Edward close, his little body warm against mine. He’s asleep, his tiny fingers wrapped around mine like he never wants to let go. I don’t want to let go either. I sit on the couch, pulling the blanket tighter around us. The house is quiet, but my thoughts are loud.I couldn’t go to the office today. Not with the bruises on my face and hands. They feel like a mark of shame, even though I know they aren’t my fault. The bruise on my cheek stings if I touch it. My wrist aches where he grabbed me.I’m scared. For the first time in a long time, I feel truly frightened.Not just for myself, but for Edward. How long can I protect him from this?Maybe it’s time to call my father.The thought makes my chest tighten.I haven’t spoken to him in years. The last time I tried, he didn’t even want to talk to me.He’d said I made my choice when I married Christopher, and that was that. If I called him now, he’d probably say, “I told you so.”The doorbell rings, startling me. Edward st

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 9

    ElizabethThe air feels heavier as I glance at the screen. The name on the display sends a wave of dread washing over me.Christopher.Did he know where I was? Is Christopher watching me?My hand freezes, the phone trembling between my fingers. I don’t know what to do. Should I answer? Should I ignore it? But ignoring him always makes things worse.“It’s Christopher,” I whisper to Sebastian, my voice shaky.“Don’t pick up,” he says firmly, stepping closer. His hand rests lightly on my arm, grounding me.“I have to,” I reply, swallowing hard.“No, you don’t,” he insists, his eyes searching mine. “You don’t owe him anything, Elizabeth. Not after everything he’s done.”“But I do,” I say softly, more to myself than to him. I swipe the screen, pressing the phone to my ear.“Where the fuck are you, Lizzy?” Christopher’s voice is sharp and demanding, slicing through the quiet.My throat tightens, but I manage to keep my voice steady. “I… I took a cab to the park. I needed some air. I needed

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 10

    SebastainI sit in my office, leaning back in my chair, the city skyline sprawling out in front of me through the floor-to-ceiling windows.The room is quiet, but my thoughts are anything but calm. My fingers drum against the polished wood of my desk as I replay yesterday's events in my mind.I can’t help but smile, a small, almost triumphant curve of my lips.My plan is falling together perfectly.It’s almost laughable how easy it was to get Christopher out of the picture, at least temporarily.One strategic phone call to a friend—a perfect fake investor—a perfectly timed opportunity dangled in front of him like bait, and he was gone.Off to New York, chasing what he thinks is the deal of a lifetime.“Fool,” I mutter to myself.But my thoughts drift from Christopher almost immediately.Yesterday.Elizabeth.My God, I can still feel the taste of her lips on mine, the gentleness of her touch, and the way her breath hitched when I pulled her close.It wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 11

    ElizabethI stand in front of the mirror, carefully dragging the eyeliner pencil along my lash line.I let out a soft giggle.Why am I so excited? I quietly ask myself.My hand trembles slightly, but I steady it.It’s been so long since I’ve done this—applied my makeup with this much care. Since I applied my make excited to go somewhere, not to cover up my bruises. The soft golden light from the vanity bathes my reflection, making my pale skin glow. I press my lips together to smooth out the crimson lipstick, tilting my head to examine my work.I look... different. It’s strange, almost foreign, but tonight I feel the need to see myself this way. I don’t know if it’s for Sebastian or for me.The faint scent of my perfume lingers in the air.It reminds me of who I used to be before Christopher—before his words, his fists, and his suffocating control stripped me down to something small, something invisible.The house is so quiet. Too quiet. My chest tightens as my thoughts shift to Edwar

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 12

    SebastianI watch her walk toward me, each step deliberate and careful, as if she’s afraid she might shatter under the weight of her own decision.Elizabeth’s green dress clings to her figure, the slit teasing the length of her legs with every movement. The faint glow of the porch light dances across her skin, and I catch myself staring longer than I should.I wasn’t expecting her to say yes.When I asked her to dinner, I thought she’d hesitate, maybe deflect or make an excuse. But she surprised me, her soft “yes” echoing in my mind since the moment it left her lips. Now she’s here, her delicate beauty tugging at something I swore I’d buried a long time ago.I have no room for feelings, just vengeance. Vengeance for the man who killed my daughter's mother. My wife, my love.This wasn’t supposed to happen. Elizabeth wasn’t supposed to affect me like this.She’s just a pawn in a game that’s been years in the making.Tonight is about delivering the first blow, shaking Christopher’s world

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  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 117

    ElizabethThe air is warm, and the whispers in the wind carry a gentle melody that wraps around me like a soft embrace.It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the world stopped spinning so fast.A year of peace, happiness, and love. I take a deep breath, letting the warmth fill my lungs, and I can almost forget the pain that once consumed me.My father finally let me leave, and Sebastian had bought us a beautiful manor.He said it was the last thing Sarah had requested before she vanished.So far, she has kept her word and hasn’t returned. I glance around the garden, where flowers bloom in vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the darkness that once surrounded my life.We finally named our son Michael James Valdez, and Edward is more than happy to have two more siblings.The Bell name is nothing but a bad memory now, a shadow that lingers in the corners of my mind.But as I stand here, reading Christopher’s name out loud, I can still feel the pain and anger just below the surface.

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 116

    Sebastian“Sarah!” I exclaim, the name escaping my lips like a breath I didn’t know I was holding. “So you came here, the last place I saw you before you pretended to be dead.” My voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension. “I did. You’re the only person who knows it, and I knew you would come searching at some point,” she explains, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.I walk over and sit opposite her, the familiar surroundings of the manor bringing back a flood of memories—some good, some painful. “The last time we were here…” she begins, her voice trailing off as she looks around, lost in thought.“You were cheating on me throughout,” I interject, the bitterness rising in my throat.“I was,” Sarah confirms, her gaze unwavering.“Why?” I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.“I don’t know, Sebastian. I loved Christopher, and I thought you could make me forget him. Turned out I was wrong,” she admits, her voice softening.“You co

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 115

    SebastianThe sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the ranch as Elizabeth and I sit on the porch. The wooden boards creak softly beneath us, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the nearby trees.I glance at her, taking in the way the light dances in her hair, and I can’t help but feel a sense of peace, even amidst the chaos that has surrounded us.“I don’t think my father will ever let me leave this ranch again,” Elizabeth says, her voice tinged with frustration.“I know I wouldn’t,” I reply, releasing a long sigh.The weight of everything hangs heavy in the air between us. Things are awkward; the last time we were together, I didn’t know I had a son.When I asked her to marry me, she didn’t give me an answer. Everything has been a roller coaster since then—me being kidnapped, ending up shot and in a coma, and then her being kidnapped and almost dying. It’s been a whirlwind, and I can’t shake the feeling that we’re still caught in the storm.“So, I have a so

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 114

    ElizabethThe dirt is cold beneath me. My body aches, every breath dragging fire through my chest. But I keep moving. I drag myself forward, inch by inch, the rough ground scraping against my skin. Smoke curls through the air ahead, thick and choking. I can see the commotion now—shadows moving, voices raised. I am so close. My lips part to call out, but the effort is too much. My body gives out. Darkness crashes over me like a wave. And then, through the void, I hear him. “Elizabeth!” Sebastian’s voice cuts through the silence. Desperate. Terrified. A weak smile tugs at my lips. He’s here. They all made it. And Sarah… Sarah actually saved them. The voices grow distant, fading like whispers in the wind. Everything gets lighter, quieter, until there is nothing at all. ……..Warmth surrounds me. Softness cradles my aching body. There is no pain here, only a strange sense of peace. Is this heaven? I inhale slowly, my chest rising with ease. The air smells familiar—clean linen, fr

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 113

    ElizabethShe looks different. Red hair. Green eyes. Lighter somehow, as if the weight of the past has peeled away all parts that were Celeste. But the anger—oh, the anger—is still there. It simmers beneath her skin, sharp and blistering.Sarah tilts her head, lips curling in amusement."Elizabeth, it seems you are a glutton for punishment." Her voice is the same. Cold. Mocking. A phantom from a life I barely remember. I struggle for breath, my ribs screaming with each inhale. "Well, you look different," I rasp between gasps, my body barely holding itself together. Sarah flicks a strand of red hair over her shoulder, eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Yeah… it felt more like me." She shrugs, as if shedding Celeste—the woman she once pretended to be—was as simple as changing clothes. "Her role was done." She turns her gaze to Christopher, her expression shifting into something darker. "Where have you been, my love?" she asks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’ve been looking for y

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 112

    Elizabeth The stars. They spin above me like scattered jewels in the black sky, swirling and shifting, refusing to settle. My head throbs with a sickening pulse, each beat reminding me of the impact. I try to lift my hand to my temple, but the pain is almost too much to bear. My vision is blurry, and I taste metal on my tongue—my blood. Everything hurts. Everything is wrong. I blink rapidly, trying to clear my mind. The wrecked car door hangs open beside me. My body shakes with every breath I take. The world around me is spinning, but I force myself to focus. I need to move. I need to get out of here. Christopher. I twist my neck, forcing my heavy head to turn, and there he is—slumped over the steering wheel, motionless. His chest rises and falls in uneven breaths, but for now, he's still unconscious. Good. I can’t stay here. Not like this. I look around. There’s nothing, just endless darkness around me. But I can’t think about that now. I need to get away. I need to

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 111

    ElizabethI can see the horror in their eyes. Sebastian. Eric. Detective Adams. They stand frozen, their bodies tense, their hands twitching at their sides as Christopher drags me toward the front door. Detective Adams's gun is steadily pointing at Christopher, but he is frozen in place.Their helplessness is written across their faces, burning into my soul like a scar I will carry forever. Sebastian’s eyes lock onto mine, wide and desperate, pleading for me to hold on, to fight.But I can’t fight. Not with Christopher’s bruising grip digging into my arm, not with his breath hot against my ear as he hisses, one wrong move and your children die. I watch, my breath catching in my throat, as Sebastian reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black card. The same card we all know will leave no trace. His hands tremble as he extends it toward Christopher, his fingers curling tightly around it like he wants to crush it into dust instead. "Take it," Sebastian spits, his voice laced with

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 110

    ElizabethI see an opening. The front door. It’s right there, just a few steps away. If I run now, I might make it before Christopher gets up. But my children. I can’t leave them. I won’t leave them. My heart pounds, my body screaming for escape, but my mind is already made up. I turn, my feet dragging against the floor as I push myself toward the staircase. I need to get to them. I need to make sure they’re safe. I take the first step, my legs burning, my ribs aching from Christopher’s last blow. But then I hear it—movement. “Elizabeth!” His furious scream echoes through the house, slamming into my back like a physical force. My entire body seizes with terror, but I don’t stop.I can’t stop.I push forward, every step feeling like a mile, every breath like shards of glass in my lungs. I can hear him behind me. Fast. Too fast. I force my legs to move, digging deep into whatever strength I have left. Just a little more. Just a few more steps. But then— BANG!The front door fl

  • LOVE HIS ENEMY: My Husband's Downfall   Chapter 109

    ElizabethThe dining table stands between us. My breath is ragged, my pulse wild. Christopher watches me with a twisted smirk, his dark eyes burning with something cruel. The air in the room is thick, suffocating, pressing against my chest like an iron weight. "Where are you running to, Lizzy?" he asks mockingly, tilting his head like a predator cornering its prey. "I'm not running, Christopher," I say defiantly, my voice steadier than I expect. "Then stop." His tone sharpens into a command. "No, Christopher!" I scream, my hands trembling as I glance around, desperate for anything—a weapon, a way out, anything to put an end to this nightmare. "I will not let you leave my children without a mother. Not because you couldn't do better!" Christopher lets out a low, humorless laugh. His fingers twitch at his sides. "You're a menace to me, Elizabeth," he spits. "I married you to make my life better, to make my legacy stronger. But what did I get?" His voice rises, raw with rage. "You d

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